We Were Young Once ~ I by Conquistadora

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elliska · 17 February 2005 · Chapter 14: Restore VII

I was so happy to get this update email! But I was at work and had to wait four hours to read it! Another great chapter. I like the relationship you have established between Amroth and Thranduil. The elfling seems very sweet but also smart--smart enough to read his question troubled Thranduil. And that question does have to be weighing on his mind at this point. Along with, "When is Adar coming back!" :) I think it is interesting that Thranduil seems to have a good idea that ruling kingdoms is part of his future. You have to wonder how much Oropher knew/wanted/expected when he went East. I completely agree with the thought you put forward about his reasoning for leaving. And all those thoughts were an excellent backdrop to the 'encounter.' Ooo, not good. Poor Thranduil. I felt for him there. But I like the way he handled it. He tried to be gentle but was his typical firm self when pushed. Perfectly in character there from my point of view. I really liked that part. And you had me scared for a minute with the last part. Those 'I can't believe what I'm seeing' moments can have very bad consequences. But like a good 'brother' Galadhmir waited to get all the info before jumping to conclusions. Thanks Heavens. This last line was great. I like your humor a great deal! Again, I was so happy to see this. I love your stories and I'll wait however long it takes for school to slow down a little. But really, Coriel--I advised college freshmen for 15 years. I would never have advised anyone to take 18 hours. Those freshmen courses (especially at a good private school like yours) are designed to teach you more than content. Don't over do. Go slowly enough that you can enjoy your experience as well as obtain your degree in a reasonable time. For someone like you, who obviously loves to learn, college should be fun too. Sorry--too many years stressing over my freshmen advisees to be able to stay off that soap box. It sounds like you have some great classes. Have a great semester.

Author's reply

I agree entirely! But as regards my class schedule I really don't have much choice in the matter. The freshman core curriculum at Christendom requires six classes for both first and second semester: language, math, theology, philosophy, history, and english literature first semester, with a science replacing the math second semester. I skipped out on the math requirement with the intention of doing it during the summer, but I'll probably end up taking geometry first semester junior year, which is as soon as I can squeeze it in! In the meantime, I'm just trying to survive from day to day. ;) Sometimes, staying for an extra year to finish up seemed an attractive prospect, but they just hiked the tuition by 10%. >_< Amroth is a sharp kid. I'm looking forward to showing more of him if I can do so without bogging down the story. And poor Galadhmir is such a trusting kind of guy; that incident shook him up a bit. Anyhow, thanks again for a great review, but now I have to run to Latin class! :)

TithenFeredir · 17 February 2005 · Chapter 14: Restore VII

Interesting. There is very little action in this chapter, quite a lot of musing and a broken relationship, but I found myself reading on quite eagerly. The chapter had a strong mood to it; the atmosphere complimented Thranduil's thoughts and his encounter with Elemmire very well. And I loved that little punch line you threw in at the last. Big chuckle there! TF

Author's reply

Thanks! This was the gottagetthisdoneandouttatheway chapter. Things should be picking up before long, I'm happy to say. At the rate this is crawling forward now, I don't know how much longer I can stand being cooped up in Lindon! :)

Stephanie · 10 February 2005 · Chapter 1: Rise

I love the manner in which you write. You certainly have the utmost command of your pen! I loved this chapter! The only thing that was wrong, due to my own ignorance, is that I do not know who some of these characters are. Can you tell me what book(s) to read so that I can get acquainted with these wonderful characters so that I can fully enjoy your well written work? I have read some of Tolkien's work but not all of it. Your story really gets me interested in more of it.

Author's reply

Hey! Welcome aboard! You know, I really don't run into too many other Stephanies out there. ;) Anyway, thanks for a great review; I needed that bit of encouragement to finally get going on my homework. I can easily forgive you for not knowing many of the characters, because several of them are my own! Feel free to e-mail me anytime about anything and I'll clear it up for ya. But if you haven't read The Silmarillion yet, it would be a huge help for you especially here at the beginning. There will be Sil references throughout, but eventually we'll make it into the realm of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. ;) Hope that helps! If not, I'm here to answer questions. ~ Stephanie (a.k.a. Coriel) ^_~

TithenFeredir · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Restore VI

The uncomfortable interplay between Thranduil, Celeborn and Galdriel was fun to read. Galadriel is certainly formidible. Thranduil is getting quite a checkered resume with all he is required to do to keep the household afloat. Re: the choice of his horse's name...what sprang to mind was a line from one of the Indiana Jones movies: Saleh to Indie- "They named you after the dog??" ;-D TF

Author's reply

Hehehe! ;D

TithenFeredir · 22 January 2005 · Chapter 12: Restore V

I anticipated an eventual showdown between Thranduil and Alkarinwe and I believe you delivered it--in the most unexpected and ingenious way. For that feud to end in repentance and forgiveness was quite moving. The passing of the two horses was also very sad. I thought it was very sweet the way the family hovered over Thranduil. I kept waiting for him to unburden himself on somebody, but again you witheld the expected device for a greater effect. Always leave them wanting more, eh? :-D TF

Author's reply

That's what I try to do. ;D

ponypetter · 22 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Restore VI

Somehow I get the impression Daddy might be a little mad when he gets home and finds Thranduil is babysitting Galadriel's son! The scene between Thranduil and Galadriel was priceless. I like how you made her somewhat cool towards Thranduil as well. It's nice to see that she's not wholely maganimous towards all, which is how she is often portrayed in fics. I think it will do them all good for Thranduil and Amroth to spend time together. I am curious that you assumed Amroth's parents were Celeborn and Galadriel, and he's not the son of Amdir. It's not too farfetched, I grant you, but I hope we'll get to see how he becomes Amdir's heir. I always thought taking that approach would be interesting.

Author's reply

Maybe Daddy doesn't have to know. ;) At the time I still wasn't sure how I was going to fit Amdir into the picture, as confused as "The Tale of Celeborn and Galadriel" is. But Marnie managed to iron it all out with typical ingenuity in her lastest single-chapter fic "Moving Apart" in a way that can still accomodate both interpretations found in Unfinished Tales. I'll probably be hedging toward something like that when the time comes to mention it again. I guess I'm just a full-blooded Sinda at heart, but the Galadriel in my mind is just plain creepy (influenced too much by the movies, I suppose). I know she isn't really, but I had to keep going back to her first angelic appearance in RotK to put a smile on her face at least! Good to see you back! :)

TithenFeredir · 22 January 2005 · Chapter 11: Restore IV

Thranduil seems very secure in his authority dealing with Malach and Melian, and as fair as he could be under the circumstances. He managed them well. The interlude with his mother was very sweet. He's taking care of everyone in the household. I love your Thranduil! TF

Author's reply

Thanks! I couldn't resist a scene that emphasized the fact that he does indeed rule the household, and I'm also trying to do away with the "heartless Thranduil" of popular rumor. We got a nice snowstorm today, so I'm just going to hunker down in my room and get my homework done so I can spend the evening and tomorrow writing the next chapter. ;)

TithenFeredir · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 10: Restore III

Things are getting interesting in Lindon! Thranduil's longing for his father and his taking confort in his old equine friend were touching--more so since Alkarinwe interrupts it so brutally. I'm impressed by how insightfully you write. I assume you are fairly young, being in college, and if so you are writing far beyond your years, IMHO. TF

Author's reply

Thank you. ^_^ I'm nineteen at the moment, which I've noticed has suprised several people. I plan to write something publishable one of these days, so this is my practice forum.

TithenFeredir · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 9: Restore II

It's interesting, every one of these chapters is like a snapshot with its own point to make and although they are not directly connected there is a nice flow forward. Many stories get bogged down with detail trying to connect everything together, but you have achieved a tidy narrative by hitting selected high points. Each one is written so vividly that I see them clearly. Very nice. TF

Author's reply

Right now I just feel like I'm bogged down in Lindon! But it's good to know it doesn't seem like it from an objective point of view. :) We studied the Iliad and the Odyssey last semester, and now we're going through the Aeneid; so it's only after the fact that I notice I've been inadvertantly following many of the epic conventions here: the type scenes, the epic simile, militant themes, heroes, and I certainly started "in medias res", in the middle of things. ;) We'll just forgive the fact that it's not in verse, and maybe I could split it into three parts like the Oresteia. Too bad I don't have more time to work on it these days!

TithenFeredir · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 8: Restore

The bit with the rose was hilarious. I loved it that to him it was a little accomplishment on his part and no big deal, but she read all kinds of stuff into it. Poor Lindoriel, he's just not that into you...yet. And I wonder if the last part with the ledger is a taste of the origins of Thranduil's often overestimated love of treasure later on. The ride on the beach was beautifully worded. TF

Author's reply

Thanks! Yes, after all this Thranudil is always conscious of where the money is coming from. He's learning a lot from this experience, but he still hasn't figured Lindoriel out yet. It may take him a while, but he'll come around. ;)

TithenFeredir · 19 January 2005 · Chapter 7: Rebuild III

Seeing Oropher and Gil-galad together I can't help thinking of their end. Loved the tender moment between Thrandil and his naneth.(I have an grown son--you got it right)Can't wait to see what happens next! TF

TithenFeredir · 19 January 2005 · Chapter 6: Rebuild II

Oh, that was fun! Thranduil wasn't given the black eye, he fought for it! I chuckled all the way through this. I'm glad Thranduil has brightened a bit. I'm sure it's not the last we'll hear from Alkarinwe. TF

Author's reply

Certainly not. We can't leave a loose end hanging that way. ;)

TithenFeredir · 19 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Rebuild

Interesting. The sterile newness, the dust, the rough-hewn wood,the noise, it all adds to Thranduil's feeling of oppression and yet it seems to mirror his bleak discontent as well. It was a treat to see a young, relatively naive Elrond. So enjoying this story! TF

Author's reply

You know, a new and empty dorm room can feel something like that. Fortunately, I spent my Christmas break making some showy Thranduil banners to give those stark walls some character. ;) Well, I hope you're having more fun than I am, sitting here waiting for Latin class. And of course I'm thrilled to death to see somebody else enjoying this run-on plot bunny as much as I am!

TithenFeredir · 18 January 2005 · Chapter 4: Rise IV

What a slimeball Alkarinwe is! And many balls are rolling now. I loved the threat of war coming on a like a storm but not a storm. This chapter was really vivid and exciting. Woo-hoo! On to the next! TF

Author's reply

Every story must have its slimeball. ;) I really have no idea where this guy came from, but there he is. Anyway, I'm glad you had a chance to read more than one chapter at a time!

TithenFeredir · 18 January 2005 · Chapter 3: Rise III

This was an interesting combination: the intimate moment between Oropher and Loriel that shows the quality of their relationship, and then more detail of their past suffering and their concerns about Thranduil. You put the fall of Doriath and their flight in personal terms and so made it very tragic, but not overwrought. Angst with a light touch like this is quite effective, I think. On to the next! TF

Author's reply

Good to see you back! This is how I try to compensate for not actually including the fall of Doriath in live action, and it seems to work. This story is notorious for plot gaps in the current chapter sequence, but one of these days I'll come back and write some fillers!

Ginger Rich · 16 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Restore VI

Ahh, nothing like a nice upbeat no-worries type of chapter. It was a welcome break from the intense chapters previous to this one. I quite liked the scripture in it too. It fit well. Hmm, I must say it was vonderful. Quiet, peaceful, and fluffy. haha. Okay. I don't wanna keep you from that NEXT chapter you're writing, so I must take my leave. Toodles and great job once again.

Author's reply

Thanks! It was about time for a little fluff. ;)

Marnie · 16 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Restore VI

Yes, I know I'm shameless and only review when Celeborn's around. Sorry! But it was a lovely surprise to see him turn up here. What a grand entrance :) Loved the spiky conversation between Celeborn and Thranduil - they are both of them rather formidable aren't they! Oh, and Thranduil vainly admiring himself in the mirror gave me a chuckle - it reminded me of Cassie Clare's Fellowship Diaries; 'still the prettiest' ;) Amroth was just lovely! I liked his mad, childish enthusiasm for everything; and indeed I like the fact that you've gone down the route of having him as Celeborn's son rather than Amdir's. (You can tell I like that theory; I've adopted it too :) Your Galadriel really is quite creepy! I can see why Oropher is so wary of her. Loved all the references to Oropher and Celeborn's big row. Coincidentally they've been shouting at each other in my new fic too; over the same old subject. Fabulous colour and pagentry! And you really show why the members of this House are going to be such big movers and shakers throughout elvish history. They are *such* impressive characters :)

Author's reply

I've found that Thranduil does indeed have a vain streak in him. Nothing overbearing, but he looks good and he knows it. ;) And of course I had to bring Celeborn in sometime. I did read your latest fic, by the way -- the day before I left for school again. And *thank you* for the inventive ironing out of the "whose son is Amroth?" question! Now I'll have to introduce Amdir somewhere. *sigh* Alrighty. then. Thanks for this little bright point in my day! Now I have to go get my sword approved by the Dean of Student Life, and then look forward to a mandatory orientation meeting (where it is, they didn't say). Classes start tomorrow, but hopefully I'll be able to set some time aside in the evenings for some more fun Amroth stuff. ;)

TithenFeredir · 15 January 2005 · Chapter 2: Rise II

The story moves forward, but what is most enjoyable at this point is the little bits of characterization and the hints of what daily life has been like for those refugee elves. I tend to think of male elves as very powerful beings of great presence,more so the way you write them,so the image of them in the kitchen is so fun. I imagine all of their sauces were completely without lumps! I really liked the way you wove in all those references to how they were all having to deal with their grief and how they chafed under the subtle oppression of living in debt under the Noldorin culture. They are all ripe for a change, whether they realize it or not. The best thing about coming to this late is not having to wait for the next chapter! *gleefully rubs hands together* TF

Author's reply

It would seem our conception of wonderfully masculine Elves coincides nicely. ;) By all means, tear on through and enjoy yourself!

TithenFeredir · 14 January 2005 · Chapter 1: Rise

What a great beginning! Oropher has always been "the late" to me, it is wonderful to see him brought to life! I love your troubled young Thranduil, so full of doubt. Your imagery is very good; the story played in my head like a movie. You did a nice blending of the larger historical references with intimate little details, like the way the fiddled with their hair. The ending has me stoked to read on! TF

Author's reply

Oh, good! It plays like a movie in my mind too, but sometimes that can be difficult to portray in words. Welcome aboard, and I hope you enjoy the rest just as much! :)

elliska · 13 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Restore VI

Oh this one was rich! So Oropher could not resist an argument and needed some restraint, hmmm? Love that and all the banter surrounding Celeborn's history with the House of Oropher. I also enjoyed Thranduil first real adult meeting with Galadriel and the position you have put him in with young Amroth. That will have more value in the future than Celeborn realizes, I think. Amroth is very nicely done--the fire of young elven spirit certainly shows in him. Lots of nice details here too. Thranduil's new horse's name!? Very funny. "It was Menegroth all over again" was a great line. And the whole last part with Thranduil thinking about Galadriel's reaction to all this and his wry humor was great. I love that aspect of your Thranduil's personality. So happy to see another update! Have a good semester. I imagine it's starting soon if it hasn't already.

Author's reply

Yep, next semester strikes next week. After a rough start I've managed a 3.940 GPA so far, so I can't complain. ^_^ I find it facinating to imagine all these familiar characters together before any of them have found the setting we're most familiar with. Thranduil hasn't even seen Greenwood yet, Celeborn and Galadriel haven't been to Lorien, Gil-galad still reigns, no one has even thought of Sauron or rings or gradually growing the dominion of Men. And of course a young and three dimensional Amroth was an irresistable thought. ;) Glad to see I haven't bored you yet! Maybe Oropher will come back sometime in the near future and we can actually get this show on the road!

Silent Planet · 13 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Restore VI

Very lovely. The scripture passage fits very well. I like how Thranduil has grown so much over the course of the story. The horses name was particularly amusing....I wonder how Legolas would feel if he heard that? Well anyway. This is one of those few stories I check nearly everyday for updates. I love reading it and hope you update soon.

Author's reply

I hope I can update soon, too. But once again homework takes precedance. Still, I think I have a better schedule this semester, so I might be able to work in at least an hour of Thranduil every other day. I'll try not to keep you waiting too long! ;)

elliska · 8 January 2005 · Chapter 12: Restore V

How tragic. You do an exceptional job of writing the introspections of these characters and I love that sort of thing. Thranduil's thoughts as he realized that he did want to forgive Alkarin were perfect. And the poor horses on top of everything else. Being from Kentucky and thoroughly loving horses, that was almost harder to read than the rest. The end between Thranduil and Lindóriel was appropriately frsutrating for all. I love the romance between them. You are doing a great job with it.

Author's reply

Thanks! It seems I can really run with a tragic line of thought if once it gets started. And of course, if one thing goes wrong, I have to make EVERYTHING go wrong!

Amaniel · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 12: Restore V

You know you had better post the next one quickly, or I'm going to be after you about what's happening next.... This was a great chapter, as usual! You did a nice job with the ledge scene which I'm certain was difficult to write. I'm not sure I fully understand about the circumstances with the investigation surrounding the death of Alkarin though. Overall you did an amazing job, once again, and I am eagerly looking forward to your next chapter.

Eruanneth_Luin · 22 December 2004 · Chapter 12: Restore V

Oh Coriel, such a bittersweet chapter! Thranduil going his own way once again encountering unexpected and this time tragic circumstances. It is good that elves are hardier than Men or Thruanduil would have come down with pneumonia or worse after enduring that ordeal. How I share his thoughts of those going to meet the judgement they have earned, but wishing to spare them that grievous end. And the care shown by his 'family' again expressing so well the love of this noble people for each other, even to the extent of forgiving Alkarinwë at the last. The deaths of two blameless horses in part to the decisions of their masters, showed that bad temper or even good intentions can go have far-reaching consequences. But at least Banner had at the last the company of his master in loving concern. I could not agree more with Lindóriel. Thranduil is FRUSTRATING! Granted, long courtships were probably not uncommon, but at least he could let her know his heart is hers and not be so stubbornly persistent in keeping his distance. Valar protect her if she ever showed an interest in another elf! Or perhaps it would be the male elf foolish enough to wish to court Lindóriel that would require protection. The chapter came to an end much too soon. I shall wait impatiently for the next one. Thank you in advance.

Author's reply

Well, I'm glad to see you thought it worth the wait! I'm just glad to see it finished, though there's always the next hurdle to climb over. This was essentially the timely tragic chapter, but I promise the next one will lighten up a bit. I knew everyone wanted Thranduil to get Alkarin's horse, so I couldn't be as predictable as that, mostly because life usually does not allow it. I've found that whether Middle-earth exists in the realm of fairytale or not, the rules of real life still generally apply. And regarding Lindoriel, I am seriously going to have to do something with him in the near future; this is getting ridiculous. ;)

ponypetter · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 12: Restore V

This is one of my favorite stories. I love the character you give Thranduil. I get confused with all the characters, but you do a great job portraying their relationships in each chapter.

Author's reply

Confusion is easily forgiven in a story like this. ;) Thanks a bunch; I'm glad to see whatever it is I'm doing seems to be effective. And, of course, those kind souls who take the time to review are always half of what makes the story go. ;D